Here is a photo of a December day in Chicago Illinois (top) vs one in Ranohira Madagascar.
Source: flickr.com
Source: oursurprisingworld.com
You can observe that during this time these cities are experiencing very different weather.
Source:www2m.biglobe.ne.jp
On the map above you can easily compare the savanna climate of Ranohira, Madagascar with the humid subtropical climate of Chicago, Illinois.
Let's take a deeper look into what is influencing the difference in climate.
Both Chicago and Ranohira experience maritime tropical airmasses; meaning they both experience hot and humid conditions in the summer months.
However instead of having a maritime polar air mass move in during the colder seasons Chicago experiences a continental polar air mass. This means that due to Chicago being located in between two mountain ranges on the sides there are no barriers blocking air moving in from the north and south. During the winter months the Continental Polar air funnels in from Canada causing very cold temperatures.
Unlike Ranohira, Chicago sits on a lake. Below is a photo of Chicago being located along Lake Michigan.
Source: sandersonyachting.com
The lake causes lake-effect snow which is caused by cold winds picking up warm lake air. Chicago is also very much affected by anthropogenic changes. Below is a picture of the city
Source:destination360.com
The city causes urban heat islands which means that the core of Chicago where the city is located will experience warmer temperatures than the surrounding countryside.
Because there are much more factors affecting Chicago than Ranohira there would be more fluctuations and variability in the climate.
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